A Gift for Matthew

A GIFT FOR MATTHEW

Nick Muzekari Illustrated by Masha Lobastov Ancient Faith Publishing • Chesterton, Indiana

A Gift for Matthew Text copyright © 2014 by Nick Muzekari Illustrations copyright © 2015 by Masha Lobastov Image of the Saint Matthew icon opposite the Iconographer’s Prayer was generously provided by Deacon Matthew Garrett. See his work at www.holy-icons.com

Published by

Ancient Faith Publishing

A division of Ancient Faith Ministries

P.O. Box 748

Chesterton, IN 46304 All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-936270-92-7

15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

For my wife, children, and all budding iconographers.

—NM

Sample pages only. Purchase the full book at http://store.ancientfaith.com/a-gift-for-matthew/

Matthew woke early on Saturday and jumped out of bed. Today was the day he was going to the monastery!

When they arrived, Matthew’s mother talked with Father George, the abbot, while Matthew followed the path that led through the old oak trees.

Text copyright © 2014 by Nick Muzekari / Illustrations copyright © 2015 by Masha Lobastov.

All Rights Reserved. Published by Ancient Faith Publishing.

Sample pages only. Purchase the full book at http://store.ancientfaith.com/a-gift-for-matthew/

The path brought Matthew to the icon studio, where he met Brother Justin, the iconographer, and Paizousa (pronounced Pie-zoo-sa), the monastery cat.

Text copyright Š 2014 by Nick Muzekari / Illustrations copyright Š 2015 by Masha Lobastov.

All Rights Reserved. Published by Ancient Faith Publishing.

In the studio, the young monk showed Matthew sketches and icon boards, jars of brushes, thin sheets of gold, and his favorite place to work—an old table next to the window where the light streamed in.

Sample pages only. Purchase the full book at http://store.ancientfaith.com/a-gift-for-matthew/

Matthew and Brother Justin said a short prayer, then got right to work. “I believe this sketch of Holy Seraphim is ready,” the monk said, handing it to Matthew. “What do you think?”

Matthew nodded.

“I’ve been sketching and resketching it for weeks, and it seems to have found its way.”

Carefully, Brother Justin showed Matthew how to transfer the sketch to the icon board using red ochre powder and a pencil.

He let Matthew trace all the way around the bear.

Text copyright © 2014 by Nick Muzekari / Illustrations copyright © 2015 by Masha Lobastov.

All Rights Reserved. Published by Ancient Faith Publishing.

Sample pages only. Purchase the full book at http://store.ancientfaith.com/a-gift-for-matthew/

“And now we’ll engrave the face, the hair, the hands, and the area where the gold will go.” The monk handed Matthew a sharp tool and showed him where to press.

They worked together quietly, the monk repeating the Jesus Prayer under his breath.

Text copyright © 2014 by Nick Muzekari / Illustrations copyright © 2015 by Masha Lobastov.

All Rights Reserved. Published by Ancient Faith Publishing.